Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Master's degree · Columbia University in the City of New York · New York, NY

CIP 23.13

$37,674Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$53,592Median earnings 4 years after
$50,602Median earnings 5 years after
$88,235Median federal debt
133Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the master's degree program in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of $37,674 one year after completing the program. Nationally, master's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $55,035 four years after graduating (middle half: $32,717–$77,712). Median debt is $88,235, about 234% of first-year earnings – more than a full year of pay.

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's degree) at other New York schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
University at Albany
Albany
$50,934—
New York University
New York
$46,292$44,551
CUNY Queens College
Queens
$38,729—
The New School
New York
$37,792$41,000
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook
$34,855—
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn
$32,360—
Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville
$32,159$41,000

Highest-paying Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies programs nationwide →

Other programs at Columbia University in the City of New York

Frequently asked questions

How much do Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York make?

The median salary is $37,674 one year after graduation and $50,602 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $88,235.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.